CORVEE Meaning and
Definition
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Corvée, also spelled as corvèe, is a term of French origin that refers to a forced unpaid labor obligation imposed on certain members of a community by a ruling authority, typically a government or a superior landowner. This labor requirement can take various forms, such as agricultural work, construction projects, maintenance tasks, or other manual labor duties. The individuals subjected to corvée, known as corvée workers or corvée laborers, are typically peasants, serfs, or other lower-class members of society who are bound by law or tradition to fulfill this mandatory labor service.
Corvée has historically been prevalent in feudal and pre-modern societies, where it served as a means of social control and resource exploitation by the ruling class. The corvée system was often used to maintain or improve infrastructure, public works, or large-scale projects that would benefit the ruling elite or the society as a whole. While corvée was practiced worldwide in different forms, it gained significant attention during European feudalism and colonial periods.
In contemporary usage, corvée has largely disappeared as societies have shifted towards modern economic systems and labor laws that prioritize voluntary and paid employment. Nevertheless, the term may still be employed to describe instances of coerced or forced labor, particularly in developing countries or certain oppressive regimes where individuals are compelled to work without fair compensation, freedoms, or rights.
Common Misspellings for CORVEE
Etymology of CORVEE
The word "corvée" originated from the Late Latin word "corrogāta" which means "to collect" or "to gather together". The Latin term was derived from "com-" which denotes "together", and "rogāre" meaning "to ask" or "to request".
During the Middle Ages, the term evolved into Old French as "corvee" or "corve", referring to forced labor or unpaid work demanded by the feudal lords from their subjects. This labor could include tasks like road maintenance, construction, or agricultural work. Over time, the sense of involuntary labor became associated with the term "corvee". It is important to note that "corvée" is primarily used in French and derived from Latin but has been adopted into English as well.
Similar spelling words for CORVEE
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